State troopers thwart alleged sexual assault on Esplanade

Two Massachusetts state troopers were able to stop an apparent sexual assault on the Esplanade in Boston early Sunday morning.

The Patriot Ledger, Quincy, MA

Writer

Posted Jul. 1, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jul 1, 2013 at 1:12 AM

Posted Jul. 1, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jul 1, 2013 at 1:12 AM

BOSTON

» Social News

Two Massachusetts state troopers were able to stop what they say was a sexual assault on the Esplanade in Boston early Sunday morning.

Jake Wark, spokesman from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, said the troopers on foot patrol observed the incident at about 1 a.m. near the Longfellow Bridge. The troopers were immediately able to take the suspect into custody.

He has been identified as Joseph Barthel, 49, of Waltham. Barthel is expected to be arraigned Monday in Boston Municipal Court on a charge of indecent assault and battery.

"It's terrible. I'm glad they caught the guy, so obviously protection in the area is good," said walker Kevin O’Boyle. "Just living in Boston, you have to know -- you have to have your wits about you."

Other visitors to the area on Sunday afternoon said incidents like this cause people to be on guard at all times.

"It is a city and stuff happens. But I think everyone just needs to be on guard and just make sure that they stay safe and stay smart," said Mara Sansevero.

Wark said based on a preliminary investigation, Barthel does not appear to be connected to previous unsolved sexual assaults on the Esplanade.

“Based on the evidence developed thus far, this incident does not appear to be linked to the well-publicized series of unsolved sexual assaults on the Esplanade, which involve a suspect who does not match this defendant's description. Nonetheless, investigators will compare the facts and circumstances to unsolved attacks to determine if there are any links,” Wark said.